Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister for International Trade. While successive judgements confirm the Canadian position in the interminable conflict on softwood lumber, the United States announced yesterday that it intends to appeal the decision of the panel established under the free trade agreement. We thought that this decision of the panel would end the dispute which has already cost Canadian producers about $500 million.
Does the minister intend to take this matter up with the American authorities to end the harassment of Canadian softwood lumber producers and does he intend to convince the American trade representative, Mr. Kantor, to end once and for all this conflict which has already gone on too long?